Inflammatory Response in Patients Undergoing Uterine Artery Embolization as Compared to Patients Undergoing Conventional Hysterectomy

摘要

Background: Uterine fibroids are benign tumors seen in 20-40% of women of childbearing age, and these fibroids are usually treated by hysterectomy. During the last decade, emboliza-tion of the uterine arteries with polyvinyl alcohol microparticles has become an alternative treatment. Purpose: To investigate whether uterine artery embolization generates a reduced inflammatory response as compared with conventional hysterectomy. Material and Methods: 40 women, 20 in each group, entered this prospective, non-randomized study. The two groups were comparable concerning age, comorbidity, and body-mass index (BMI). Results: We found a significant difference between the inflammatory responses in women undergoing embolization compared with the inflammatory response in women having an abdominal hysterectomy. Women undergoing embolization were subjected to a much smaller inflammatory burden, their total morphine consumption was lower, and their return to work was faster than women subjected to conventional hysterectomy. Conclusion: Uterine artery embolization generates a reduced inflammatory response compared with conventional hysterectomy.